News from the Workshops.

Another sideline that has grown at Inshriach over the last year is my status as charitable mechanic to anyone I like who is daft enough to own a classic British motor. Hot on the heels of the MGB gentleman's racer (finished but running horribly after a 2000 mile shakedown) is this 1994 mini sprite. It was put into dry storage with 5600 miles on the clock and I have recommissioned it with new brake and clutch cylinders, a carb rebuild, wheels, tyres and some other bits and bobs and once it gets its MOT it will be for sale. These little things are appreciating fast and this one is perfect, hopefully it can get to £6000.

Thankfully we now have a full time mechanic living at Inshriach. Kyle can fix your car too, for very reasonable rates, especially if it is a classic. Next up for us here is a 1958 Landrover. Then another MGBGT in for some attention over the winter. Then hopefully we can get onto converting my old Landcruiser FJ to a Chevrolet V8 engine. We might well go into classic car rental next year, time, funds, suitable cars and garage space permitting.

News from the River.

The Page party who were here last week of August (and the last week of last August, and who have promised to be here for the last week of every August) had an extremely productive time by the river. This 5lb sea trout and 8.5lb salmon were the choice fish but they also had a 5lb salmon and a monster 5lb brown trout, plus a good hundred smaller trout. They also had Allan Heaney in to fully cater their entire holiday so the house was a scene of utter civilization at every mealtime. Jim Broadbent is one of our 21 season permit holders and he took a further 4 grilse during the second week of August and reports from further down the Spey suggest it has been a strong year all round for sea trout.

All of which is much more fishily recreational and relaxing than the epic window refurbishment currently underway on the cottages, all of which will look absolutely beautiful once we are done.

The Inshriach Panther (part II).

Everyone thought I was joking but the BBC now say otherwise. Then my neighbour saw it snooping around his house and I'm reliably informed that a local photographer has got close enough to get a picture of it which I will post here as soon as it is released.

Now we have had a last minute spate of bookings through September. I don't yet know whether the Scottish big cat spotting community are closing in.